With 11 channels of 140W amplification and the capacity to process
13.4-channel audio, the new AVR is set to jump to the top of the series, featuring support for 8K video, Dolby Atmos, and more.
Martin Dew reviews Lyngdorf’s MP-50 12-channel preamp/processor after living with it for nearly three years. A long-term test, we might call it. Does an elevation to the world of high-end home cinema processors really make a difference in performance terms?
StormAudio to showcase new ISP Evo processor and ISR Fusion 20 receiver
by Ian Collen
Both will be on display at ISE 2023, along with a demonstration of its newly-integrated Dirac Live Active Room Treatment tech, plus a firmware 4.4r0 upgrade set to follow.
With nine channels of amplification, eight HDMI 2.1 connections, 11.4 channels of processing, Audyssey and Dirac, could the AVC-X3800H be one of the biggest bargains in home cinema?
Arcam’s new feature rich AVRs bring the HDA range into the world of HDMI 2.1. With 16 channels of processing, 7 channels of Class AB amplification, and full-range Dirac Live room correction, is the AVR21 the pick of the range?
Is paying extra for an Auro-3D capable AVR worth it?
by Andy Bassett
With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X being the more ubiquitous height enabled audio platforms available on AVRs, does anyone still use Auro 3D and is it worth having as an option on your receiver for the extra outlay?
Updated 13th December 2021: The already impressive Trinnov Altitude16 AV processor has now been updated to add IMAX Enhanced and four additional channels of processing that allows for a full 9.4.6 immersive audio system.
The Denon AVC-X4700H is an AV receiver with nine built-in channels of amplification, and the ability to process 11.2 channels. It also offers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D and IMAX Enhanced, along with HDMI 2.1 and HEOS multi-room. So, is this the manufacturer's AVR sweet spot?
The McIntosh MX123 processor will now leave the US audio firm’s manufacturing facility equipped for 8K processing, with onboard upscaling and new features.
Denon launches new flagship AVC-X8500HA AV amplifier
by Andy Bassett
Denon has revealed a new flagship version of its X8500H AV amplifier, with the new AVC-X8500HA promising 8K compatibility, HDMI 2.1 features supporting 40Gbps transmission, new HDR format support plus the addition of DTS:X Pro.
Marantz unveils new flagship AV8805A AV pre-amplifier
by Andy Bassett
Marantz has announced a new, top of the range version of its renowned AV8805 AV pre-amplifier. The brand new AV8805A promises 8K compatibility, HDMI 2.1 bandwidth support up to 40Gbps plus the addition of DTS:X Pro and new HDR formats.
Yamaha flagship Aventage AVR range adds three new models for 2021
by Andy Bassett
Yamaha has unveiled its new, reimagined Aventage range of flagship AV receivers with the RX-A8A, RX-A6A and RX-A4A models featuring cutting edge technology, Sound:AI optimisation and full, uncompromised 8K60/4K120 HDMI 2.1 compatibility.
The Arcam AV40 is the latest high-end AV Processor from the British audio manufacturer and boasts 16-channels of surround sound processing using the very latest codecs, as well as Dirac Live 16-channel room optimisation.
French audio pioneer Trinnov is promising a range of updates to its Altitude AV processors throughout 2021 as it strives for continued performance and longevity for consumers.
The MP-40 is the smaller venue based AV Processor from Lyngdorf with 12-channels of decoding for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro 3D, along with RoomPerfect calibration and full system integration. It offers exactly the same performance as the MP-60 but in a smaller package, so just how good is it?
Marantz's new SR7015 9-channel AV amplifier boasts every feature imaginable, including support for 8K. But do all these new bells and whistles justify an upgrade?
The Arcam AVR30 AV receiver finally arrives for review with seven channels of built-in Class G amplification and 9.1.6-channel processing. There's Dolby Atmos, DTS:X IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D decoding, along with eARC, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast. But was it worth the wait?
Marantz has announced its 2020 range of 8K compatible SR series AVR hardware including the SR5015 AV Receiver and the SR6015, SR7015 and SR8015 AV Amplifiers.
Arcam adds Auro-3D audio technology to latest AVRs
by Andy Bassett
Harmon owned Arcam has announced the addition of Auro-3D technology to its most recent range of AV receivers including the AVR10, AVR20 and the AVR30, along with its AV40 processor.
The Focal Astral 16 is a high-end AV processor and amplifier that has 12 channels built-in, but can decode up to 16 for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D. There's also Dirac Live and sophisticated web-based interface, but does it do enough to justify the hefty price-tag.
The latest AV Receiver from Marantz has many of the same features as its predecessor, with up to date connections for 4K HDR including Dolby Vision & HLG, along with all current immersive formats and IMAX Enhanced. So is it any good?
The Marantz AV8805 is not only an excellent performer but it also supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D, making it one of the cheapest AV processor to handle all three immersive audio formats.
Denon AVR-X4500H & AVR-X3500H AV Receivers launched
by Mark Hodgkinson
Denon introduces a pair of new AVRs, the AVR-X4500H and AVR-X3500H featuring support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X and Auro-3D in addition to Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG and eARC.
In our exclusive review we put Denon's new AVC-X8500H through its paces and find an AV amplifier that takes multi-channel surround sound to another level with 13 channels of built-in amplification and 13.1-channel processing, resulting in an unparalleled immersive audio experience.
Marantz AV8805 4K Ultra HD 13 channel pre-amp announced
by Mark Hodgkinson
The Marantz AV8805 is a high-end, thirteen channel pre-amplifier with full 4K HDCP 2.2 compatibility, eight AK4490 32-bit stereo DACs across all channels, assignable 15.2 balanced XLR outputs and lots of other bells and whistles.
Denon is back with its first 'pure' AV amplifier in nine years with the AVC-X8500H boasting 13 channels of built-in amplification for up to a 7.2.6 configuration for immersive audio.
This year has seen a period of consolidation in the AV Receiver market, with increased support for immersive audio and HDR, more channels of amplification and multi-room capabilities. So here are the best AVRs that we've reviewed.
The demand for concealed speakers appears to be on the up, likely driven by the uptake in object based audio formats. So what are the best choices for in-wall and/or in-ceiling speakers?
All the different versions of HDMI can get quite confusing. In this article we explain what HDMI 2.1 is, why you might need it and what the benefits are.